Success Story: Started In 2016, This Paan Brand Now Serves 1 Lakh Customers Every Day

In India, paan has long been more than just a mouth freshener; it is part of tradition, celebrations, weddings, and everyday culture. But for decades, paan shops across the country largely remained small roadside stalls with little focus on hygiene, presentation, or modern customer experience. That is where Mast Banarasi Paan decided to change the game.

Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Noida, the company transformed the idea of paan from a traditional after-meal item into a modern, café-style dessert experience. Today, the brand operates in more than 20 states and over 320 cities across India, serving nearly one lakh paans every day.

The driving force behind the company is founder and CEO P. N. Thakur, who saw an opportunity in a category many people overlooked. A graduate of Banaras Hindu University with an MBA in Marketing and International Business, Thakur also gained early professional experience at Hindustan Times. His understanding of branding and consumer behaviour later became crucial in shaping the company’s identity.

According to the company profile, the idea came from observing how common paan shops were across India despite the sector remaining largely unorganised and unchanged for years. Hygiene concerns, outdated presentation, and negative stereotypes often limited the wider appeal of paan. Instead of rushing into business, Thakur reportedly spent nearly three years on research and development before launching the brand in 2016. His goal was simple: make paan more hygienic, accessible, and family-friendly while preserving its traditional flavours.

One of the company’s biggest decisions was adopting a 100% tobacco-free positioning. This helped change how many consumers viewed paan, turning it into a dessert-like indulgence rather than something associated only with tobacco consumption. Unlike traditional paan stalls, Mast Banarasi Paan introduced a structured café-style format where customers of all age groups could comfortably enjoy paan in a cleaner and more organised setting.

The company also diversified its menu with products priced between ₹30 and ₹100 for regular buyers, while premium paan options for weddings and special occasions can go up to ₹2,100. Its offerings quickly became popular among younger consumers looking for unique food experiences.

Over the years, the brand expanded aggressively through a franchise-led business model. Today, it operates through more than 400 outlets across the country. The company also partnered with food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, helping it strengthen its reach in urban markets. Apart from retail stores, the brand also caters to corporate and private events, further expanding its customer base. Under Thakur’s leadership, Mast Banarasi Paan has evolved from a simple paan business into a large organised retail brand that combines traditional Indian flavours with modern branding and customer experience.